Can’t Get a Word in Edgewise? How to Short Circuit the Serial Interrupter

A negotiation or mediation should have a flow or rhythm. Ideally both parties are actively listening to each other and expressing themselves in an effective and professional manner. Although each side is trying to get the most benefit from an agreement, both sides understand any agreement is a two-way street where they both have to have their needs met.

If one party or both are interrupting each other, there is no flow or rhythm and frustration and anger can mount, making agreement difficult if not impossible.